Course guide

Which class do I need?

The right class depends on your goal, where you are in the concealed handgun permit process, and whether Colorado Parks and Wildlife has verified your hunter education. Use this guide before registering.

Colorado Firearms Safety Program

I need training for an affected semiautomatic firearm purchase or transfer

Both FSP courses require a valid Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card issued through your county sheriff. Hunter education is a separate record verified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and it determines whether you take the Basic or Extended course.

I have hunter education verified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Choose the Basic 4-hour course. Bring your sheriff-issued eligibility card number when you register. Hunter education by itself does not replace the FSP course.

I do not have hunter education verified in CPW's records

Choose the Extended 12-hour course. It is completed in person over at least two different days and still requires the sheriff-issued eligibility card.

View FSP Class Dates

Concealed carry training

I want concealed carry and personal-protection instruction

Choose the course that matches whether you are applying for your first Colorado concealed handgun permit or renewing an existing permit. These courses are separate from the Firearms Safety Program.

I am applying for my first permit

Choose the Initial Concealed Handgun Permit Course — 8 Hours. This is the complete initial-permit course with the required instruction, written exam, and live-fire exercise.

I am renewing an existing permit

Choose the Concealed Handgun Refresher Course — Permit Renewal. The two-hour course includes current legal updates, review, written exam, and live-fire exercise.

View CCW Class Dates

At a glance

Compare the four options

Course	Best fit	Duration	Before registering
FSP Basic	FSP students with hunter education verified by CPW	4 hours	Sheriff-issued eligibility card and CPW-verified hunter education
FSP Extended	FSP students without hunter education verified by CPW	12 hours over at least 2 days	Sheriff-issued eligibility card
Initial Permit	First-time Colorado concealed handgun permit applicants	8 hours	Review the scheduled class details
Renewal / Refresher	Existing permit holders preparing to renew	2 hours	Complete within 6 months before submitting the renewal form

FSP and CCW are separate programs

Colorado Parks and Wildlife states that concealed carry courses do not substitute for the Firearms Safety Program requirements. If your goal involves purchasing or transferring a specified semiautomatic firearm, use the FSP path above.

Read the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife guidance

Still not sure?

Ask before you register

We can help you identify the appropriate class for your goal.

Contact The Smart Shooter